He scored less than 50 runs and returned wicketless in three ODIs against New Zealand.
Despite starting the three-match ODI series with a win, India lost the next two games against New Zealand. With veterans retiring and India experimenting with all-rounders, the team has seen some major changes in the past 12-14 months. However, the spot of Ravindra Jadeja looks unrewarding.
It may not come as a surprise that Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t scored a century in 50-over games. Batting mostly at No.6 or below doesn’t give much opportunity to score runs. However, what’s jaw-dropping is that Jadeja hasn’t scored a half-century since 2020.
Playing more than 100 ODIs at No.7, the 37-year-old has amassed more than 2,000 runs with eight fifties. He also struck five more half-centuries from a spot below and above. Jadeja’s highest score of 87 came in 2014 against England in Leeds.
Another bothersome fact is that Ravindra Jadeja has only half-centuries on Indian soil. He made his second half-century of 57 against Australia in Guwahati in 2009 and 61 not out against England in Kochi in 2013. It’s been more than 13 years since.
One may argue that less game time has resulted in lower runs scored. But Jadeja’s average stays around 30 from No.5 to 8 spots. He has remained unbeaten 52 times in 142 outings.
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Speaking about the latest series in question, the left-handed batter was dismissed with scores of 12 (16), 27 (44), and 4 (5). In the second match, Ravindra Jadeja added 27 runs out of 73 for the fifth wicket partnership with KL Rahul. The senior player could’ve capitalised with another set batter on the crease, to add another 20-30 runs to the total. It could’ve saved India from losing the Rajkot ODI.
The third ODI was more of an embarrassing loss for India, being bowled out at home in 46 overs. Virat Kohli smashed another ton. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana also stepped up with half-centuries. A crucial cameo by Ravindra Jadeja could’ve brought India closer to a win.
While Jadeja’s batting stats are not convincing enough, his bowling is not special either. He returned wicketless against New Zealand and had scalped a solitary wicket in the previous ODI series against South Africa.
The management has time and again trusted Harshit Rana, someone who can bowl in all phases of a 50-over match. They have also preferred a bowler who can bat at No.8.
With the ODI World Cup 2027 on the horizon, the experience of someone like Ravindra Jadeja will be vital in the camp. But as the competition gets tough in the Indian contingent, the lack of proven returns will make it difficult for the captain and selectors to keep him in the playing XI.
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